Martin Scorsese’s “HUGO” is the first film in a long time that genuinely moved me. Many of you know how difficult the last several years have been for me. Now I’m beginning to see a glimmer of light.
What I took away from “HUGO” was that an artist, no matter what their personal situation or age, should never give up on their dreams. Is it worth the trek along that road less traveled? Well, each journey is as individual to the artist taking it.
We can’t all be George Clooney, but then George (an old softball buddy) appeared first on his father’s show in 1968, then a decade later was an extra in “Centennial” before admittedly appearing in a litany of every “unsold pilot” that came down the pike, suffering through two seasons on “Facts of Life” and three seasons on “Roseanne” before landing “e.r.”.
There is no such thing as an over-night success. Every artist has to pay their dues and learn their craft. Sometimes the dues are costly and lengthy, as in my case. People who know me know the story, what I have had to endure.
I’ve been on the edge of success from time to time and am there again now. But how do we measure success? Personal success is the most difficult to master because it seems, at least in my case, that maybe I expected too much of myself. But I also believed I had to be a success in my chosen field, not necessarily to please others, although I fretted about disappointing my mother; who, although doesn’t fully understand show business (who really does), has been exceptionally supportive.
I worried about friends and family, too, letting them down. Not living up to their expectations, when it was my own expectations I was subconsciously feeling I wasn’t living up to. The belief in me offered by others, although genuine, only depressed me more and sometimes sounded hollow.
So no matter if you are an aspiring actor, writer, director, dancer, painter, novelist; whatever “label” falls collectively under the title ARTIST, stay the course. Yes, you’ll have doubts at times. You’ll feel isolated and alone from the rejection you’ll have to deal with, no matter how many friends and family are rooting for you. There will be those who will try to talk you out of your dream.
I have often referred to my writing as MY BLISS. Half the time, I surprise myself with what comes out on paper, or the computer screen, asking myself “where the hell did that come from?”.
My writing is my addiction and my solace. After my heart attack writing was my therapy and got me through. In my worst depressions, I could still write. The ideas just keep coming. At times, I can have two or three projects going simultaneously. It just keeps coming.
There is an adage that says “A boy’s best friend is his mother”. That is certainly true in my case. My mother is still with us and my greatest wish is that she stays around long enough to see me succeed in either a small or large way. My parents both loved and respected The Arts and I firmly believe that augmented whatever talent I possess.
So how does this relate to “HUGO”, you ask? Sir Ben Kingsley portrays pioneer film maker Georges Melies who was not recognized for his enormous contributions to the cinematic arts until 1931 when he was awarded France’s Legion of Honor. Eventually the artist is recognized, by audiences, by their peers. Remember all the impressionist artists who were never recognized during their lifetimes. So there is hope for us all yet. Some sooner, some later, but eventually. All we can do is what we have chosen to do and do it to the very best of our abilities and never stop learning.
Michael David Stewart
1/16/2012
Los Angeles, CA
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